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Demand for and availability of specialist chemsex services in the UK: A cross-sectional survey of sexual health clinics.

Wiggins, H; Ogaz, D; Mebrahtu, H; Sullivan, A; Bowden-Jones, O; Field, N; Hughes, G; (2018) Demand for and availability of specialist chemsex services in the UK: A cross-sectional survey of sexual health clinics. International Journal of Drug Policy , 55 pp. 155-158. 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.12.016. Green open access

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Abstract

BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION: Chemsex amongst men who have sex with men (MSM) is well documented in major cities within the United Kingdom (UK), but few data from less urban areas exist. We undertook a survey of sexual health clinic (SHC) healthcare workers (HCWs) to explore demand for and availability of chemsex services to understand training needs and inform service planning. METHODS: An online survey was distributed to HCWs in all SHCs across the UK. For English clinics, we explored associations between responses and geo-demographic region using national surveillance data and population statistics. RESULTS: Responses were received from 56% (150/270) of SHC's in the UK (89% (133/150) from English clinics). 80% (103/129) of UK clinics reported chemsex consultations and in 50% (65/129) these occurred at least monthly, with no significant difference found when analysed by the geo-demographic characteristics of England (p=0.38). Respondents from most clinics (99% (117/118)) wanted chemsex training, 81 %(103/129) felt there was a local clinical need for a chemsex service and 33% (14/43) had chemsex care-pathways for referrals in place. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Patients reporting chemsex regularly present to SHCs throughout the UK including rural areas. Given the potential negative health outcomes associated with chemsex, there is a need for local, high quality, appropriate services and training to minimise harm.

Type: Article
Title: Demand for and availability of specialist chemsex services in the UK: A cross-sectional survey of sexual health clinics.
Location: Netherlands
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.12.016
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.12.016
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
Keywords: Chemsex, Sexual health, Sexualised drug use
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > Institute for Global Health
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > Institute for Global Health > Infection and Population Health
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10045593
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